Wine Recommendation

Surh-Luchtel Cellars

2004 Syrah, Page Nord Vineyard(Napa Valley)

Syrah from the Page Nord Vineyard is said to have a signature flavor of ripe blackberries, which is one reason partners and former college wine drinking buddies and roommates Don Surh and Gary Luchtel sought it out. The vineyard is within the Oak Knoll District, half way between Napa and Yountville at the southern end of the valley. Their hybrid philosophy aims at merging rich, ripe fruit with expression of origin -- not an easy task. They also take a modest approach towards pricing. Many Napa Syrahs are twice the $35 price tag, and are too oaky and too ripe, becoming metallic, or worse, fishy.

Brilliant with a panoply of vivid, deeply saturated colors ranging from crimson to magenta, violet to ruby, the wine is very viscous. On the nose, wild, almost Pinot Noir-like notes of sarsaparilla, rootbeer, and cherry cola come into play right alongside ripe blueberry, earth, mushroom, mulch pile, forest floor, mocha, and toast. This decadent fruit and earth bomb is full-bodied and structured, not loosey-goosey like so many of its brethren. Oak tannins reign in bright, juicy bursts of sweet, ripe fruit, and stand out on their own on the finish.

The Wine

The Reviewer

Catherine Fallis

Founder and President of Planet Grape LLC, a company committed to bringing the joy of wine, food, and good living into the lives of everyday people, Catherine is creator of the “grape goddess guides to good living,” a series of books, television presentations, seminars, and e-learning programs. The fifth woman in the world to become a Master Sommelier, grape goddess Catherine Fallis is still very much down-to-earth.

The Wine

The Reviewer

Catherine Fallis

Founder and President of Planet Grape LLC, a company committed to bringing the joy of wine, food, and good living into the lives of everyday people, Catherine is creator of the “grape goddess guides to good living,” a series of books, television presentations, seminars, and e-learning programs. The fifth woman in the world to become a Master Sommelier, grape goddess Catherine Fallis is still very much down-to-earth.